Michael Nobbs the architect of India's first real hockey team success

There were various names that were doing the rounds when the Indian men's hockey team was looking for a foreign coach but it was a composed and a low profile man from Australia - Michael Nobbs - who bagged the job.

Eight months into the job and Nobbs has had a fair bit of success with a team that was struggling with reports of feud amongst the players.

He picked up a few young boys, put them into the rigours of international hockey with the other senior members, took some major decisions in the selection and ultimately, delivered results that forced the whole country raising a toast for his wards.

Indian players pose with the trophy on the victory podium after the men's field hockey match between India and France

At the Olympic qualifier, the Indian team produced some of the best hockey moments in recent times and the players acknowledge his contribution in their success.

Nobbs, however, has a long-term programme and hopes to take the team to the heights where it is not only capable of competing against the top teams but can also win.

'When I joined this team, I was disillusioned with whatever was going around, especially after the amount of talent I saw this country has when it comes to good hockey players,' says Nobbs. 'Things obviously got going after that but we still have a long way to go.'

The selectors chose some of the young legs ahead of experienced campaigners Rajpal Singh and Arjun Halappa for the qualifying event in the Capital. Although the decision raised a number of eyebrows, Nobbs had his sights on the future and he justified it with a thumping title triumph on Sunday.

Michael Nobbs India hockey team coach

'The members of this team will form the core of the squad that will represent India at the Olympics depending on their fitness and form. When I am done with my job here, I want to see this team amongst the top sides of the world and these boys have it in them to do that,' said Nobbs.

When Nobbs took over, there was a huge question mark over the fitness levels of the Indian team members and there were doubts whether they would be able to play for 70 minutes. The Australian brought in David John, with whom he shares a long relationship, and the results were there for all to see.

The players, too, acknowledge the contributions of their coach. Sardar Singh, who was declared player of the Olympic qualifying tournament, was effusive in his praise for Nobbs.

'In a short space of time Nobbs has helped us evolve our game. Both Nobbs and David have brought in a lot of changes in our game and fitness levels and we can see the improvements,' the midfielder said on Monday.

Yuvraj Walmiki injured his leg midway through the tournament and was ruled out of it. The injury is likely to keep him out of action for three months, but the young Maharashtra lad says he derives confidence from his coach to be fit in time and get selected for the Olympics in July-August.

'The coach has always been pushing me and brings the best out of me. Even as I am injured, Nobbs has been giving me confidence and, hopefully, I will soon be back with him,' said Yuvraj.

On India's realistic chances at the Olympics, Nobbs said that the challenge will be difficult to finish at the podium. "At the Olympics, the quality of opposition is completely different with teams like Australia and the Netherlands. We still have some months to prepare and there are some areas which need to be worked upon. It might take some time but India will be there amongst the top teams one day," the Australian signed off.